A fantastic rally: let's keep pushing!

Hello Fair Districts!

Yesterday we made some noise. I think they even heard us inside the Statehouse!

Thanks to all who came out, from every corner of the state, to say loud and clear, WE WANT FAIR MAPS, and we want them NOW.

The Ohio Redistricting Commission has abdicated its duty to draw a congressional map, so that task is going back to the General Assembly. Yesterday we sent them a letter with several demands:

1. Schedule field hearings as soon as possible;

2. Consider maps submitted by the public;

3. Invite testimony from diverse academics and experts.

4. Publish a clear process for decision-making, and full schedule for the month of November that details all public hearings and joint committee meetings.

You can read the full text of the letter HERE. You can help keep the pressure on by emailing your Ohio legislators. We demand that the process for drawing congressional maps be transparent and thorough, to ensure the result is the fair maps required in the Ohio Constitution!

TAKE ACTION NOW

It looks like we won’t have to wait long for more redistricting action. The Ohio Senate Democrats have already put forward a map.

Update on bills to introduce maps: Senate President Matt Huffman told reporters that there will be a hearing this coming Wednesday (11/3). At that hearing, he said that the committee will consider two bills:

1. Senate Bill 237, a bill proposed by Senate Minority Leader Kenny Yuko (D-Cleveland) and Senator Vern Sykes (D-Akron). Click here to see the map on Dave’s Redistricting App.

2. Senate Bill 258, a placeholder bill that simply declares an intention to enact congressional districts. This bill is sponsored by Senator Rob McColley (R-Napoleon).

There has not been an official announcement so we don’t know what time the hearing will be. Mark your calendar for Wednesday and we will keep you updated!

Thank you once again for being part of the fight for fair maps and fair elections! If you want to see some wonderful photos of the event, check out this album by the tireless and talented Paul Becker. (Please be sure to give photo credit if sharing any of these images.)

Thanks for all you do,

Mia Lewis for Common Cause Ohio and the Fair Districts team